I flat tow my Accord and dolly tow my Corolla. Great video about flat towing. There is one big disadvantage I have found with dolly towing that I never hear people talk about but I experience it on a regular basis: I get way better fuel milage flat towing the Accord than I get dolly towing the Corolla. It’s almost like the angle that the car sits at when dolly towing makes the car act like a giant parachute. Has anyone else noticed this difference. Even though the Honda is heavier I get about 1/2 mpg better when flat towing it over dolly towing the Toyota. Not a huge difference but I tow these cars about 15k miles a year. For me a difference of about $750 per year. Another factor I gave noticed is that the Accord gets a lot more rock damage to the windshield & front. So the reason I choose flat towing over dolly towing: I flat tow when I can and dolly tow when I have to. Note. My wife prefers dolly towing because the we are using the car with an automatic transmission.
Those are good points John. I have heard anyone mention the fuel mileage difference but it makes sense that dolly towing would create more drag. Thanks for mentioning that tip here and thanks for leaving a thoughtful comment!
Thank you for your channel. We currently use a tow dolly with an inherited 2017 Ford Escape. My father used a tow dolly for years with no issues. They are certainly aggravating. You have to find a place to put the dolly but they are less expensive than a tow bar set up. We hope to use this configuration until we are fully retired and then flat tow. I have a Chevy truck that can be flat towed but IMHO with a 44' diesel pusher I would be right at 70' using it for a flat tow. IMHO that is too long. It's all about information and you provide the most technical nuts and bolts information about RV systems and options. Again thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Thanks for the kind words and support. There are plenty of RVing folks who use either a tow bar or a tow dolly and are happy with their setup. So it comes down to what is right for your personal situation. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. And I hope you get to really enjoy your rig when you retire!
Hi Carol. Actually I've made several towing videos. If you visit my channel's home page at ua-cam.com/channels/fDU98WvBMq1_0TKig6RbFw.html just click on the search icon and enter "towing". It should bring up several videos to I've made on the subject. And thanks for watching this one. I'm glad it was helpful for you.
This was an excellent video my friend. Just simply excellent. Every question that I had, you just answered in a matter of minutes. Thank you. I subscribed.
Glad it was helpful Greg. A lot of RVers don't prepare well for flat towing, so I'm glad to see that you are doing your research first. I hope you find the perfect rig for your needs. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
I have an ebrake. It is easier than expected to use. I recommend keeping a knee pad in the toad. I have a trickle charger, that uses my 7 pin, to keep it from killing the toad's battery. Another wiring method is to connect a wiring harness off the 7 pin, but to route the harness wiring to the tail lights. Then extra light bulbs are inserted into the back of the tail light units. Then the tail lights work as they should. There are no magnetic mounts. The toad's vehicle's internal wiring is untouched.
Duane, Nice channel, I like concise videos. We purchased a new 2019 Buick Envision specifically to flat tow. It has a very easy process to set it for towing each time and has a section in the owners manual called Dinghy Towing with 4 steps. Connect to motorhome, turn ignition on (no need to start), shift to neutral, turn ignition off, and pull 2 fuses. We decided to go with a push button battery disconnection system so we don't need pull the fuses. We have towed it a little over 5000 miles with no issues. Again, good job! Larry
Larry, Great to hear you purchased the Envision. We are considering the same purchase to flat tow. How has your experience been flat towing the Envision? How difficult was it to get the base plate installed and where did you get the installation done? It seems a challenge to figure out who can install the base plate. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!
@@monicasilva2864 We used M&G engineering in Athens, TX. Here is the link m-gengineering.com/contact/ . Monty did an excellent job. M&G did the baseplate, added the Roadmaster Nighthawk, added the braking system and the battery disconnect. It all works great. We have towed about 6000 miles since the install with no issues. RV Texas Y'all did a UA-cam video about M&G if you want to go to their channel. The Envision was a great choice and we would buy it again if have to do it over. It is just the right size and Sherri uses it as her daily driver when we are home. Good luck, Larry
One thing I didn't answer is the base plate install. The front fascia has to come completely off to install the base plate. I have a picture but no way to attach it via the comments.
Hi Ralph. A lot of folks with Class As go through that decision making process. Really there are advantages and disadvantages either way, so watching my videos should help you decide what will work best for your situation and your priorities. Thanks for watching!
I think there is a lot of confusion about whether or not you can back up your RV with a flat towing set up for your toad. I believe that if you keep the toad's steering wheel in the straight position and only back up in a straight line (and level ground) you won't jack knife or put undue stress on the tow bar.
Everybody has their own opinion on this. But most long-time RVers don't suggest backing up your connected toad at all. It only takes a few minutes to unhook a flat towed vehicle.
I'll stick with my dolly. It takes a while to learn the ins and outs but after 5 years of dolly towing and no major problems I think it's better. On my 3rd towed vehicle. Saves wear and tear on the cars. Good video.
Open car hauler…….allows us to take different vehicles for different adventures. Side x sides for the sand dunes, Jeep for off-road trails and sports car for getting speeding tickets. 😆
We looking into a small class A. We do have a HHR Chevy. My hobby was thinking on towing. I reminded him to do research because this could be expensive if we just bought a specific tow for the ban we have. Thanks again for your videos.
Hi Carmen. I have seen some HHRs being towed in the past. But it's always best to check the manual for your vehicle and make sure what its towing abilities are. I hope you find the perfect Class A for your travels too. :-)
Please do a video on vehicle weight restrictions when using a tow dolly. Example, tow dolly rated at 5,000 pounds with 750 pounds tongue weight. A Chevy Traverse or compatible size vehicle hits the scale around 4,600 pounds which leaves a margin of 400 pounds. Since the dolly is carrying approximately 2/3 of the vehicle weight, motor, trans etc., what is the safety factor or any concerns. The usually weight ratio from front to rear is divided as 60/40 as a general rule for front wheel drive vehicles. I would love to see a clear video on this topic because there isn't any clarity on this topic, not even from dealerships or towing companies such as U-haul. Now with that said, a gas motor coach is usually rated at 5,000 maximum towing capacity and a diesel motor coach can tow considerable more, theoretically speaking. Of course the hitch type can be a limit as well. What is your take on this? Me, just curious. (I flat tow)
I will be using the ReadyBrute™ Elite II RV Tow Bar with ReadyBrake RB-9050-2. I like the breaking system on it. I will be using a vacuum pump connected to the brake booster so the cable won't be under so much stress. I will be wiring the vacuum pump to the motor home. (Jeep Wrangler)
7th pin on the 7 pin should provide 30amp charge to the towed vehicle battery. Would connect through the center pin on the towed vehicle's 6pin connector.
It probably depends on the vehicle, but on our 2011 Honda CRV the odometer is not affected by the towed miles. But you should check before you buy a towed vehicle to see how it handles towed miles.
Thanks for the video upload. This is one reason I want to keep my Wrangler 2 Door Jeep. We eventually want a diesel pusher. Never skimp on safety. I did not realize the cost of a tow vehicle.
That's a great idea to keep your Wrangler as your towed vehicle Ira. I see them being flat towed all the time. I think one of the biggest advantages of Wranglers is that they can not only serve as a means of getting around town wherever you are, they can also take you off-roading too almost anywhere you want to go.
Good video. You mentioned that you can run into a problem with the battery of the towed vehicle running down while being towed, but there’s a couple work-arounds. Those would be…….. Details please.
Try this link - familyrvingmag.com/2012/09/01/towed-vehicle-battery-charging/ It's a pretty good discussion of the options you have for solving that problem.
Very illustrative, thank you. One question: What towing system ( flat, dolly, trailer) would you use if you are going to travel extensively (say the 49 states)? I will do it and I want to consider a small compact car (Corolla or similar). Thanks
Hi Jaime. I know a lot of RVers that use either a flat tow or dolly tow method and there are big fans of them both. Generally, although dolly towing tends to be much less expensive to get into, you have to be physically capable of moving a tow dolly around the campsite. So that is a consideration. Flat towing is the easiest and quickest method of hooking up a towed vehicle. But it also takes the most investment to get started. I personally flat tow my Honda CRV. But I would not be averse to dolly towing though. I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you!! Going to visit the 49 states plus the southern part of Canada will be a tremendous task which will require lots of tow car connect/disconnect therefore I'd go for flat tow; however what concerns me the most is the fact that the tow car will make miles and miles hence potential mechanical problems... I was also considering an actual trailer so the car wouldn't suffer but then I don't want to deal with another "vehicle" to mess around in the camping parks... and as you said, dollys can be heavy and both me and my wife have already back issues so flat tow seems to be the way to go in our case. Now I will need to compare Curts vs Blue Ox, etc....
Great job. But you forgot a crucial point. You cannot back up a flat tow towd. We love our Jeep and wont go anywhere without it. But we have taken a wrong turn a few times and had to unhook when we couldn't turn around and couldn't back up.
I have phobia about flat towing my new jeep wrangler 392 I have a Georgetown 334xl gas motorhome and I'm afraid I won't pull in to a gas station correctly and not be able to back up...then what ? Any tips about this I'm 64 and not as confident sometimes as I once was
Hi Timothy. That's a great question and a very valid concern. We have a diesel pusher motorhome and I stopped going to regular fuel stations after having some close calls with a few of them. Our solution was to use the same fuel stations that commercial truckers use and getting a diesel fuel card that made it affordable. But if you have a gas powered RV, you may not be able to go that route. So here is what I recommend - plan out your fuel stops very carefully along the way. Look for larger fuel stations that can handle a rig your size. To do that, I would use the satellite view on Google Maps as you plan your trips and zoom in to see how much room is available for both getting in and out of the station. If it looks tight, move on and find another station on that route. Also, if you do get boxed into a tight area for some reason, know that most tow bars these days will release fairly easily so you can unhook and get out of the situation cleanly. I hope that helps.
My Tow dolly barely fits my car. Had to use wood ramp to avoid hitting the bottom. The worst part is, during a sharp turn, the dolly hits my car's bottom rim bc it is too narrow.
Thanks for the great info! Just subscribed! We’re planning to upgrade from a truck and travel trailer to a class C and tow car soon. We have a Ford Fusion that can be flat-towed but are hoping to find an SUV (something with a little more ground clearance) like maybe a Jeep or Ford Edge! Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks
I have made a couple of videos that may be helpful for you in finding an SUV that will fit your needs - ua-cam.com/video/qFIQ9liGPt8/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/sQ3d-OCHwrY/v-deo.html I hope that helps and thanks for subbing!
I think this video may be helpful Phillip - ua-cam.com/video/OkWyFGtVveQ/v-deo.html Also, be sure to check the towing section in your minivan's manual and see what guidelines the manufacturer gives you on towing too.
@@RVInspectionAndCarehey thanks for getting back to me, now I know I wasn't clear in my original question but I didn't mean toe and RV with my minivan I meant Towing my minivan behind my motorhome
@@phillipkuntze137 That's what I meant too. Your manual should have a section on how your minivan should be towed and whether it can be flat-towed or not too. Be sure to watch the video too.
Hi I, enjoyed your video and advise. There are some cars out there that one can flat tow, due to them having stick shifts available. There are not many any more but two come to mind. We purchased a Nissan Versa S, (Stickshift) which is nicely equipped, light to tow (2500 pounds) and pretty inexpensive (16,000 $). The other choice is the Chevy Spark stickshift about the same price, but not equipped as nicely as the Nissan. We decided to flat tow and you are right the Towbar and the setup runs about 4000 $ and has the under the brake pedal system braking system. As this car is really light we will have it set to a light breaking instead of full breaking. Thank you for your video.
You're right Kurt. Not many stick shifts are being made these days. They used to be much more popular but now its almost all auto transmissions instead. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and made such a nice comment.
As far as I can tell, it can't without expensive mods. But the best way to check whether any vehicle can be flat towed or not is to download the manual for that vehicle and check under the "Towing" section. It will usually tell you there if it can be flat towed.
That would be a great solution Donald. I didn't cover tow trailers for vehicles because they aren't nearly as commonly used as tow dollies. But they are especially good if you want to tow a certain vehicle and just can't get it to work on either a tow dolly or towing 4 down. They require more space on the campsite for storage while not in use, and they are more expensive too. But they are a great towing solution if you can manage those issues.
Good question RRW. There are several solutions ranging from complicated to simple. First, you can check the instructions in the owners manual for that vehicle and see what recommendations it makes for possibly removing a fuse that is responsible for the drain while the vehicle is being towed. That is a simple thing to do but sometimes inconvenient to reach each time you tow. Another solution is to install a battery charging kit that works while you are towing. You can find a kit like that here - www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Roadmaster/RM-156-25.html . Finally, the simplest and easiest of all is to just start the vehicle and let it run for a while when you stop every 200 - 300 miles or so. But doing so means you have to go back through the setup procedure again for towing that vehicle that is outlined in your vehicles owners manual before towing further.
Thanks for your video. I have a 2013 Ford C-Max and I see that several people use that for towing and the base plates are readily available. My concern is I saw one video on UA-cam where when the gentleman turned the corner the steering wheel shook radically like it was going to tear the car apart. Do you have any idea why it would do this? The steering wheel on the C-Max does not lock. I have not moved forward with using this as a tow vehicle until I have more understanding regarding that UA-cam video
Sorry Mr. Louis, I haven't had any experience with the Ford C-Max so far. But here is a link where the C-Max is discussed quite a bit as a toad on an online forum - www.irv2.com/forums/f85/is-the-ford-c-max-a-good-toad-278447.html
Hi Doris. The best way to know for sure what towing options are available for any vehicle is to consult the owners manual for that vehicle. It will usually have a section on towing that will explain what you can and can't do while towing it. I always recommend following the manufacturers recommendations for towing to prevent any serious damage while towing.
Toyota does not recommend any of their SUVs to be flat towed. They have a pump system for the transmission fluid. You can install a auxillary pump system but it is very cost prohibitive.
Hi Sara, I know of some dealerships that have done that for RVers. I'm sure that it depends on the dealership but if you ask them I would think there is a good chance that they would be willing to do that for you.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you so much for your quick response! We are just starting to do research (I over research everything lol) for our first RV. You’re channel has been so helpful!! Thank you for all your work!!
Thanks for the positive feedback Sara. You are doing the right thing to do your research before you buy your first RV. A lot of people don't do that and it takes them a while to find the right RV for their needs. Your research beforehand will save you a lot of time and frustration. I hope you find the perfect RV for your RVing style!
As a single woman, loved your tips. I got the wrong car its a front wheel drive Nissan Altima, I did get it at good price. But now I'm stuck with 2 cars and can't aford a tow dolly. Didn't know how price they are 😥 Now I'm thinking I need to sell the 🚗 and get a Vespa.. what fo you think?
Hi Teresa. Actually I see several RVers these days with a motorcycle hitch on the back of their RV. A Vespa isn't very big, so it might not take a big unit to carry it along. The only issue I see with using a motorcycle or scooter for day-to-day transportation is handling adverse weather conditions wherever you travel.
I'm so glad I found your channel. I have subscribed also. You explain things so well. I also thought about getting a scooter but as you've stated adverse weather. Your RV on the inside looks like mine. I have a Newmar/Scottsdale. I hope to be heading out soon. I own a Chevy Impala. I will check out the website that was given to see if my vehicle is towable. Thanks. Looking forward to a great relationship.
So glad you enjoyed the video Charmae. Newmar makes great coaches, so I'm sure you will enjoy your travels in the Scottsdale. I'm glad that you subbed and just let me know if I can help with any questions you have as you view my videos.
Just found your channel. This is good information. Did you do one on trailer towing? I have used a dolly but I have cars we'll take to shows that I'm not gonna dolly. There are pros and cons for this also.
Sorry Roy. I haven't done a video on that subject yet but it sounds like a good idea for the future. Thanks for the suggestion. BTW, I think I have seen you comment quite a bit on the IRV2 forum, right?
@@roydavis2242 I thought I recognized your avatar picture. I love reading the IRV2 forum and I have always enjoyed your comments too. Very insightful. Welcome to the channel and I hope you will share your knowledge here too. All the best Roy!
I'm seeing conflicting answers to that question online Ray. My recommendation is always to check the owners manual for any vehicle. Usually they tell you whether or not it can be flat towed in the manual. If you don't have the manual, it's usually available for download somewhere online.
That's true Brian, but a lot of tow dollies have either electric or surge brakes installed on the dolly itself. Of course, many RVers want better brake lighting than what is provided on the dolly fenders, so you may need to run auxiliary brakes to the rear part of the vehicle being towed.
That is a problem for many RVers Ernesto. Some install a rock guard under the back of the motorhome that hangs down to deflect rocks and stones kicked up by the rear tires. Others put the rock guard on the front of the toad.
What a great video, thank you so much. We are pretty new at RVing. Both my wife and I are retired. We purchased a 2021 2850SLE Sunseeker (Ford E450) in November and have used it 4 times (a couple of long trips) and we have 2 or 3 more trips planned this year. We want to head out West for like a 2 or 3 month long trip next year. We just purchased a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 door and everything has been ordered with Blue Ox from my RV mechanic and it's getting installed very soon. The only issue I'm going to have I believe is that the cigarrette lighter does not stay working when the jeep is off so something will have to be modified. You need power for the blue ox Patriot 3 breaking system. But I don't think that's a big deal. I am concerned that we'll kill the battery on long trips ..what do you think? Maybe I will have to stop each time I fuel up and start the engine of the Jeep. Or more often. Plus we don't do much driving in one day, maybe up to 4 or 5 hours.
Congratulations on getting your new RV and Jeep toad. It sounds like a great combination for the two of you. And Jeeps are just made for off-roading in the West. There are lots of ways to deal with the battery issue when towing. For me, I usually don't travel more than 4 hours or so a day, so I have never had any battery issues except when my battery needed replacing after a few years. But that was not the fault of towing. If I have a really long day of travel though, I just fire up the toad's engine and let it run a while to charge the battery when we stop at a rest area or to fuel up. That has worked well for me so far. All the best to you both on your RV travels!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate it .. Do you think my 8 cylinder Ford E 450 will be strong enough to tow my 4 door Jeep?..God bless you.
I saw a utube where you can use a hitch wire with a charging terminal to trickle charge your toad battery while under toe so you can leave the battery connected with the key on.
Great video! I'm having a lot of trouble finding a tow bar/system to tow my FWD Mazda CX-5. Every video tells me it's not possible but I think it's because everyone assumes they are AWD. Some are, but not mine. Ideas?
I'm having a hard time finding a base plate for towing that vehicle myself Humberto. It's hard to keep up with all of the vehicles that qualify for flat towing, but I generally find that if it can be flat towed you will usually find the base plate available online at etrailer.com. The only other option for towing is most likely a tow dolly.
@Humberto Have you checked your owners manual to verify if it can be flat towed? Yes, AWD version needs to be trailer towed (all wheel off the ground) but I have a sneaking suspicion that your 2WD (front wheel drive) is not flat towable. This is probably why you are not finding base plates for it. I would guess you will need a tow dolly for your vehicle.
Sometimes that is necessary. It's best to consult your owners manual to see what guidelines the manufacturer has for towing your truck. Of course, there are driveline quick disconnect systems made if that is what is needed. But personally, if it comes to that it may be best to just find another vehicle that can be flat towed instead. Many Ford F150s are able to be flat towed and there are others too.
We plan on purchasing a diesel pusher by the end of this year after we move from Nevada to Florida. I'm wanting to flat tow my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 behind a U-Haul for our NV/FL move. So I'm wondering if the flat tow hardware I purchase for the U-Haul/Sierra trip will also be compatible with the Class A Diesel Pusher I don't yet own. I would think It's probably universal but I thought I saw/heard somewhere that the hardware might be vehicle specific.
I'm still watching this video, 3 - 4 thousand dollars? It looks like a flat tow kit is only around $500+ for the tow bar, baseplate and wiring I guess from what I've seen so far. So the additional hardware, hardwiring and labor is at least a couple thousand dollars?
10:30 #4 is huge because I could buy a brand new 2020 (Jeep) vehicle specific for flat towing and get T-Boned for a total loss before the new car smell is gone and the thousands I paid to hardwire it would also be gone.
First of all you need to make sure that your model of the 2016 GMC Sierra can be flat towed. And if it can are there any restrictions involved? Your owners manual will probably tell you what you need to know about all that. Then you will need a tow bar which my quick search says will be about $720 at least. You will also need a base plate for the truck and again my research indicates that it will be about $500. Then you will need safety cables, a lighting system and a method for braking. All of this adds up fast. Most DPs have a 2" inch hitch that the tow bar can fit into but you will need to verify that on the rig you choose. Also, check the weight rating for the RV hitch and make sure that it can handle the weight of your GMC. There is a lot to consider when flat towing and it can get very expensive fast. I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the detailed response, right now it certainly appears that my Sierra can be flat towed but I will look into it further just to be sure. Have you heard of the Ready Brute Elite? I discovered it since my last post, right now I'm leaning heavily towards getting that.
A lot of manual tranny vehicles can be flat towed successfully. But I always say that the best way to know whether a vehicle is suitable for flat towing is to check the manufacturer's manual for that vehicle. That is the only way to know for sure.
Great video. We're newbies to the rv world. Considering towing a Honda Accord with manual transmission. Is there any concern with ground clearance of the "toad" on normally encountered roads, national parks etc? Thanks for any thoughts!
Good question Paul. On normal highways and main roads you will probably be fine. But I would be very careful about going off road. My rule of thumb is that if I am at all nervous about the ground clearance for my toad, I just unhitch and my wife drives it behind me until I feel comfortable again. I hope that helps.
I do the same when towing my Cooper also it has lower suspension coilovers since when I’m close to a track I find a day when they have track event and run it and when we go out west we take the Jeep because the trails are fun as well
I enjoyed the video and learned some valuable information from watching. I subscribed and gave the thumbs up. Because of my lack of knowledge, I am not sure how the direct wiring for the brakes works . Would you comment on this please? Thanks
Hi Ronald. The braking system I recommend is made by Roadmaster and it is the InvisiBrake product. Here is a nice FAQ page about on Roadmaster's site - www.roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/invisibrake/faqs.html And Etrailer made a nice video about a typical installation here - www.etrailer.com/tv-install-roadmaster-invisibrake-braking-system-2018-jeep-jl-wrangler-unlimited-rm-8700.aspx I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your response. The information you provided helps me understand how the direct brake wire system works and how this would be a lot more convenient to use than other systems.
Yes, I really like the InvisiBrake system and it has a lot of high marks in reviews from other users. There's a lot to think about when flat towing and I'm glad the information I provided was helpful Ronald.
Good question Michael. According to this information from Toyota it appears that it is not able to be flat towed - toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7710/~/is-it-possible-to-tow-my-toyota-with-all-four-wheels-on-the-ground%3F
For RV towing there is a big difference Monty. If a towed auto has an automatic transmission, it has to be specifically designed to be able to be towed with all four wheels down. Most cars are not able to be towed that way. But they can often be towed on a dolly with the drive wheels on the dolly. A manual transmission vehicle is more flexible since the tranny can often be put in neutral and towed four down. But it's vital that you consult the owners manual of any vehicle to make sure whether it can be towed, and if so, what are the requirements for towing.
Hi Gary. I don't believe that a Cadillace Escalade can be flat-towed at all. And it would be difficult to tow it with a 2-wheel dolly, if at all. The only choice that I can see is putting it on a flatbed dolly so that all four wheels are off the ground.
Thank you for the video! I thought of two more possible disadvantages; please tell me if I'm right: 1) It puts wear on the toad's tires, 2) It puts mileage on the toad's odometer.
Hi Billy. Yes, you are right about the tires. There is no avoiding wear and tear on the tires while flat towing. But actually most towed vehicles do not register the towed mileage on the odometer. Thanks for watching and leaving such a thoughtful comment!
@@Steph-Jones I think you asking whether the odometer does not log the mileage even when flat towing. And the answer is that in many cases it does not.
Just some advice on this presentation! Have many years in the RV adventure....... Flat towing is very hard on the towed vehicle. It does not track the towing vehicle very well so most of the time ur r dragging the front wheels around corners almost most with every turn. Lots of wear and tear on front end components and tires. Directly wiring in the lights is all but impossible, with all the computers and electronic components ur just asking "Maximin Smoke" even in the towing vehicle as well. Most knowledgeable shops won't even attempt it. A tow dolly can be backed up for a short distance with lots of caution. NEVER EVER NEVER......try to back up a flat towed vehicle, just a few inches can destroy tow bar and do frame damage on the frame of the towed vehicle. If ur going to tow full time buy a Tow Dolly with surge brakes. This will put a lot less wear on ur towing rig brakes Also in a panic stop situation u don't have 3 to5k extra pounds pushing u out of control especially in wet or icy conditions.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I agree that the simplest solution to full-time towing is a tow dolly with surge brakes. It's also one of the least expensive options as well.
The cons I have seen with flat towing is that with our vehicles (equinox’s), our shop in a second set of bulbs in the turn signal housings for trailer lights, though they seldom work, they keep blowing, and the pigtail on the front keeps getting frayed. More so issues with the way we do things, than issues with the system. As well, while towing, our system does not include braking, so the trailer has the urge to jackknife the pulling truck (strange given the difference in weight, but it’ll push the back end out on our 9 ton truck with a 2 ton equinox) under braking and/or turning. The major issue we have, given our operation, is that you cannot back up with a flat tow, unless you have practice backing a set of doubles, you’re going less than three feet, or you have someone holding the steering wheel. As for battery drain, the shop put in a battery disconnect (how they did it, I haven’t a clue) but it turns off radio, HVAC, instrument array, all that. Works like a charm.
A battery disconnect is a great idea for toad vehicles. If you have to leave your ignition in the on position to tow, it's either get a disconnect installed, pull the fuse for the dash, or just make sure you pull over and start the vehicle every so often to recharge the battery. Frankly, the disconnect switch is the easiest option by far. :-)
Unless you're backing up just a few feet and with a back-up guide person, I'd personally stay away from backing a flat tow. It's not good for the vehicle components, the base plate, the tow bar. IF, big IF you feel you must, only go STRAIGHT back. For me, that's why they made the modern tow bar, it takes less than two minutes to remove toad and a few more to reconnect and check.
Some time stamps with a hyperlink legend would help poor people that suffer this video and it's tolerability tremendously. Although knowledgeable, the way this information is presented for some reason just grates. I guess everybody is different you seem to have some positive comments. Little warnings like your emphasis @9:20 on "the cost...the cost of flat towing are a lot..." & @4:20 "This is not easy stuff...This is not simple stuff..." This reminds me of sitting through an HOA meeting, where the president is calling for letters to be mailed out concerning lawn mower height settings...
Great video - thank you for your thoughtful delivery. I have a question for you since you tow a Honda CRV as do I (2014 CRV). On rough roads, even rough interstates, my CRV begins to wag which in turn pushes and pulls the RV (29' Class A Thor Hurricane F53 chassis). Happens with wind as well. Quickly becomes a white knuckle event with dangerous swaying. Using a Roadmaster Night Hawk towbar. Have done suspension upgrades to RV (rear and front suspension bars, Steering stabilizer, and Sumo Springs). CRV is not out of alignment and tires are in good shape. How can I control the sway? I'm thinking about adding a bungee to CRV steering wheel with light pressure and hooking to undercarriage of driver seat to aid centering. Using an RVI toad braking system. Any ideas would be helpful. Thank you in advance.
Hi Leonard. I have heard of these type of issues with others too. Here are a few suggestions - Some people have tried adding a trackbar to stabilize the rear end of the motorhome. I believe that Roadmaster makes one. Others have tried the bungee cord method you mentioned with success. And some have found that the problem is with the tow bar in some cases not completely locking into position when towing although it appears to do so. I hope some of these ideas can help. RVing is no fun when your rig is swaying down the highway.
Thank you for the info and video, it seems that flat towing involves all four wheels of a towed vehicle being in contact with the pavement, this towing method causes the vehicle's wheels to turn. As a result, the drivetrain and transmission can be impacted and damaged. This can also happen if flat towing is not performed correctly.... For the cost as you explained I bought for my JL 2 door Jeep a compact single axle trailer... so much better for the Jeep....
Hi Hans. Yes, flat towing does cause some wear and tear on the tires and any moving parts as you go down the highway. But if the vehicle is designed for flat towing, it is very safe for the towed vehicle. Thanks for watching the video and leaving us your thoughts too!
I know it seems like I'm only talking about automatic transmissions but honestly, the vast majority of toads I have seen are automatic. Most people like to tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission. These days, it's getting harder to find manual trannies, but if you do, there is a very good chance it will be towable.
If a person was to install one of the auxiliary braking systems in their toad, could they not just start the toad, put the toad in Drive, hop in the RV, and drive away? If that would work, any vehicle could be a toad because the transmission would be lubricated in the same way that it is when you're driving the toad on its own. Also, you wouldn't have to worry about draining the battery because the engine would be running. Your brake lights would come on when the auxiliary braking system applied the brakes too. You would need to do something for the turn signals, but you would have to do that regardless of the setup you chose. You're also burning more fuel since the toad is running, but it would be getting spectacular fuel economy since it's being towed. I have never seen someone attempt this, but I've always thought it could be a solution. Please let me know what you think since you have the know how.
Unfortunately Kurtis, most auto transmissions don't work the way you are suggesting. The best way to know how to properly tow a passenger vehicle without severely damaging it is to read the instructions about towing it in the owners manual. And following the manufacturer's directions is always the best course of action.
Depends, at least with our towed vehicle, it’s not braked, only the lead vehicle has brakes. As for lights, our shop put in a second set of bulbs in the tail lamps, that almost never work.
I damaged the transmission on my 2001 nissan sentra after towing it for 300 miles. Apparently you have to put your vehicle in Neutral with the engine running the whole time if it is an Automatic. Lesson learned.
Actually, most flat towed vehicles can be towed without the engine running. I always recommend that you consult the owners manual for the vehicle you want to tow first before going further. If the vehicle can be flat towed it will explain the procedure for doing it there. And yes, if you don't do it right, serious damage can be done. Many vehicles can't be towed with all four wheels down though. The vehicle's manual will tell you what you need to know about towing it in most cases.
Methinks a vehicle with a manual transmission would be okay to tow. Just put it in neutral. No transmission parts operating, right? It's freewheeling...
Yes Leon, manual transmission toads are very easy to work with in most cases. There is no need to go through any process to set up the transmission for towing. Just take it our of gear and leave the stickshift in neutral.
Yes, a tow dolly can be a less expensive option Victor. I made a video about that too and it would be good to look over the pros and cons of going in that direction before you make your decision. Here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/aTN_mi0GHgw/v-deo.html
Sorry the video wasn't up to your standards John but the title is "The Pros And Cons Of RV Flat Towing". It doesn't say anything about comparisons being made.
I flat tow my Accord and dolly tow my Corolla. Great video about flat towing. There is one big disadvantage I have found with dolly towing that I never hear people talk about but I experience it on a regular basis: I get way better fuel milage flat towing the Accord than I get dolly towing the Corolla. It’s almost like the angle that the car sits at when dolly towing makes the car act like a giant parachute. Has anyone else noticed this difference. Even though the Honda is heavier I get about 1/2 mpg better when flat towing it over dolly towing the Toyota. Not a huge difference but I tow these cars about 15k miles a year. For me a difference of about $750 per year. Another factor I gave noticed is that the Accord gets a lot more rock damage to the windshield & front. So the reason I choose flat towing over dolly towing: I flat tow when I can and dolly tow when I have to. Note. My wife prefers dolly towing because the we are using the car with an automatic transmission.
Those are good points John. I have heard anyone mention the fuel mileage difference but it makes sense that dolly towing would create more drag. Thanks for mentioning that tip here and thanks for leaving a thoughtful comment!
Thank you! As a Single Female traveler, this gave me clear understanding! I am becoming a ‘Flat Tower’!
That's awesome Sage. I'm glad the video was helpful!
Thank you for your channel.
We currently use a tow dolly with an inherited 2017 Ford Escape. My father used a tow dolly for years with no issues. They are certainly aggravating. You have to find a place to put the dolly but they are less expensive than a tow bar set up. We hope to use this configuration until we are fully retired and then flat tow.
I have a Chevy truck that can be flat towed but IMHO with a 44' diesel pusher I would be right at 70' using it for a flat tow. IMHO that is too long. It's all about information and you provide the most technical nuts and bolts information about RV systems and options.
Again thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Thanks for the kind words and support. There are plenty of RVing folks who use either a tow bar or a tow dolly and are happy with their setup. So it comes down to what is right for your personal situation. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. And I hope you get to really enjoy your rig when you retire!
Do you have any more videos on towing a car
I have a 23 ft class C and a Toyota RAV4 and trying to find out the best way to tow
Love your channel
Hi Carol. Actually I've made several towing videos. If you visit my channel's home page at ua-cam.com/channels/fDU98WvBMq1_0TKig6RbFw.html just click on the search icon and enter "towing". It should bring up several videos to I've made on the subject. And thanks for watching this one. I'm glad it was helpful for you.
This was an excellent video my friend. Just simply excellent. Every question that I had, you just answered in a matter of minutes. Thank you. I subscribed.
So glad to hear that your a subscriber. Thanks for taking the time to leave such positive feedback too!
Thank you. Just getting ready for retirement and close to purchasing a diesel pusher. Flat towing a must have. Very informative for this newbie.
Glad it was helpful Greg. A lot of RVers don't prepare well for flat towing, so I'm glad to see that you are doing your research first. I hope you find the perfect rig for your needs. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
I have an ebrake. It is easier than expected to use. I recommend keeping a knee pad in the toad. I have a trickle charger, that uses my 7 pin, to keep it from killing the toad's battery.
Another wiring method is to connect a wiring harness off the 7 pin, but to route the harness wiring to the tail lights. Then extra light bulbs are inserted into the back of the tail light units. Then the tail lights work as they should. There are no magnetic mounts. The toad's vehicle's internal wiring is untouched.
Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions. Safe and happy travels to you!
Duane, Nice channel, I like concise videos. We purchased a new 2019 Buick Envision specifically to flat tow. It has a very easy process to set it for towing each time and has a section in the owners manual called Dinghy Towing with 4 steps. Connect to motorhome, turn ignition on (no need to start), shift to neutral, turn ignition off, and pull 2 fuses. We decided to go with a push button battery disconnection system so we don't need pull the fuses. We have towed it a little over 5000 miles with no issues. Again, good job! Larry
That sounds like a really simple procedure for towing Larry. Good choice!
Larry,
Great to hear you purchased the Envision. We are considering the same purchase to flat tow. How has your experience been flat towing the Envision? How difficult was it to get the base plate installed and where did you get the installation done? It seems a challenge to figure out who can install the base plate. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!
@@monicasilva2864 We used M&G engineering in Athens, TX. Here is the link m-gengineering.com/contact/ . Monty did an excellent job. M&G did the baseplate, added the Roadmaster Nighthawk, added the braking system and the battery disconnect. It all works great. We have towed about 6000 miles since the install with no issues. RV Texas Y'all did a UA-cam video about M&G if you want to go to their channel. The Envision was a great choice and we would buy it again if have to do it over. It is just the right size and Sherri uses it as her daily driver when we are home. Good luck, Larry
One thing I didn't answer is the base plate install. The front fascia has to come completely off to install the base plate. I have a picture but no way to attach it via the comments.
@@texasfullers6611 Thank you for the information, much appreciated. Safe travels!
Thanks... we are considering a class a and trying to decide flat vs dolley
Hi Ralph. A lot of folks with Class As go through that decision making process. Really there are advantages and disadvantages either way, so watching my videos should help you decide what will work best for your situation and your priorities. Thanks for watching!
I think there is a lot of confusion about whether or not you can back up your RV with a flat towing set up for your toad. I believe that if you keep the toad's steering wheel in the straight position and only back up in a straight line (and level ground) you won't jack knife or put undue stress on the tow bar.
Everybody has their own opinion on this. But most long-time RVers don't suggest backing up your connected toad at all. It only takes a few minutes to unhook a flat towed vehicle.
The difference is the type of tow bar. A ridgid tow bar fares better than one with a all way oscillation such as a blue ox
I’ve back up with my Blue Ox my Jeep and my Mini Cooper without any issues but off course mostly straight
The best ever explanation!! Thank you
Glad you think so! Thanks for watching.
I'll stick with my dolly. It takes a while to learn the ins and outs but after 5 years of dolly towing and no major problems I think it's better. On my 3rd towed vehicle. Saves wear and tear on the cars. Good video.
Hi Robin. I agree. And tow dollies get the job done with a lot less investment than most tow bar setups. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Are all campgrounds allow dolly parking behind your rig?
Open car hauler…….allows us to take different vehicles for different adventures. Side x sides for the sand dunes, Jeep for off-road trails and sports car for getting speeding tickets. 😆
Well said Bill! That's a great choice too! :-)
We looking into a small class A. We do have a HHR Chevy. My hobby was thinking on towing. I reminded him to do research because this could be expensive if we just bought a specific tow for the ban we have. Thanks again for your videos.
Hi Carmen. I have seen some HHRs being towed in the past. But it's always best to check the manual for your vehicle and make sure what its towing abilities are. I hope you find the perfect Class A for your travels too. :-)
Please do a video on vehicle weight restrictions when using a tow dolly. Example, tow dolly rated at 5,000 pounds with 750 pounds tongue weight. A Chevy Traverse or compatible size vehicle hits the scale around 4,600 pounds which leaves a margin of 400 pounds. Since the dolly is carrying approximately 2/3 of the vehicle weight, motor, trans etc., what is the safety factor or any concerns. The usually weight ratio from front to rear is divided as 60/40 as a general rule for front wheel drive vehicles. I would love to see a clear video on this topic because there isn't any clarity on this topic, not even from dealerships or towing companies such as U-haul. Now with that said, a gas motor coach is usually rated at 5,000 maximum towing capacity and a diesel motor coach can tow considerable more, theoretically speaking. Of course the hitch type can be a limit as well. What is your take on this? Me, just curious. (I flat tow)
I'll see what I can do to make a video that addesses this subject. Thanks for suggesting it!
Good information thank you. You might consider linking something explaining leaving the key on power disconnect.
Great suggestion Fran. I'll see what I can do. Thanks for watching!
Great video, I didn’t read all the comments but if it wasn’t mentioned, DO NOT BACK-UP. it can / will damage tow system
Thanks for mentioning that Ken. It's best to treat a tow bar as a one-way component, forward only.
I will be using the ReadyBrute™ Elite II RV Tow Bar with ReadyBrake RB-9050-2. I like the breaking system on it. I will be using a vacuum pump connected to the brake booster so the cable won't be under so much stress. I will be wiring the vacuum pump to the motor home. (Jeep Wrangler)
Sounds like you will have a great tow bar and braking system. Thanks for sharing your choice LAD.
7th pin on the 7 pin should provide 30amp charge to the towed vehicle battery. Would connect through the center pin on the towed vehicle's 6pin connector.
Thanks for sharing that Todd. And thanks for watching!
Will the towed unit count mileage the same way as if you would be driving it ?
It probably depends on the vehicle, but on our 2011 Honda CRV the odometer is not affected by the towed miles. But you should check before you buy a towed vehicle to see how it handles towed miles.
Thanks for the video upload. This is one reason I want to keep my Wrangler 2 Door Jeep. We eventually want a diesel pusher. Never skimp on safety. I did not realize the cost of a tow vehicle.
That's a great idea to keep your Wrangler as your towed vehicle Ira. I see them being flat towed all the time. I think one of the biggest advantages of Wranglers is that they can not only serve as a means of getting around town wherever you are, they can also take you off-roading too almost anywhere you want to go.
I use a High End Tow Dolly with surge Disc Breaks! Remote magnetic lights work well for me! I like your channel!
Sounds like a great towing setup David. Thanks for the positive feedback!
Thank you!!
I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment too!
Very helpful
Glad you think so Phillip. Thanks for watching and leaving some positive feedback too!
Dwayne, you are awesome in your craft....love your expertise, knowledge, and honest info....thank you..
You are very welcome Argentum. Thanks for the positive feedback!
How about a 2019 jeep compass??
Hi Daniel. Here is a nice article that covers that question - www.etrailer.com/faq-what-jeeps-can-be-flat-towed.aspx Thanks for watching!
Good video. You mentioned that you can run into a problem with the battery of the towed vehicle running down while being towed, but there’s a couple work-arounds. Those would be…….. Details please.
Try this link - familyrvingmag.com/2012/09/01/towed-vehicle-battery-charging/ It's a pretty good discussion of the options you have for solving that problem.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thanks for the details. Now I have a couple ideas I can discuss with my mechanic.
Good presentation.
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching!
Very illustrative, thank you. One question: What towing system ( flat, dolly, trailer) would you use if you are going to travel extensively (say the 49 states)? I will do it and I want to consider a small compact car (Corolla or similar). Thanks
Hi Jaime. I know a lot of RVers that use either a flat tow or dolly tow method and there are big fans of them both. Generally, although dolly towing tends to be much less expensive to get into, you have to be physically capable of moving a tow dolly around the campsite. So that is a consideration. Flat towing is the easiest and quickest method of hooking up a towed vehicle. But it also takes the most investment to get started. I personally flat tow my Honda CRV. But I would not be averse to dolly towing though. I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you!! Going to visit the 49 states plus the southern part of Canada will be a tremendous task which will require lots of tow car connect/disconnect therefore I'd go for flat tow; however what concerns me the most is the fact that the tow car will make miles and miles hence potential mechanical problems... I was also considering an actual trailer so the car wouldn't suffer but then I don't want to deal with another "vehicle" to mess around in the camping parks... and as you said, dollys can be heavy and both me and my wife have already back issues so flat tow seems to be the way to go in our case. Now I will need to compare Curts vs Blue Ox, etc....
Great job. But you forgot a crucial point. You cannot back up a flat tow towd. We love our Jeep and wont go anywhere without it. But we have taken a wrong turn a few times and had to unhook when we couldn't turn around and couldn't back up.
That's a good point Wyatt. That is always in the back of my mind as I travel in our motorhome. Thanks for bringing it up.
Interesting. Why do you think you can't back up a toad?
You can to certain extent and try to go straight back
I have phobia about flat towing my new jeep wrangler 392 I have a Georgetown 334xl gas motorhome and I'm afraid I won't pull in to a gas station correctly and not be able to back up...then what ? Any tips about this I'm 64 and not as confident sometimes as I once was
Hi Timothy. That's a great question and a very valid concern. We have a diesel pusher motorhome and I stopped going to regular fuel stations after having some close calls with a few of them. Our solution was to use the same fuel stations that commercial truckers use and getting a diesel fuel card that made it affordable. But if you have a gas powered RV, you may not be able to go that route. So here is what I recommend - plan out your fuel stops very carefully along the way. Look for larger fuel stations that can handle a rig your size. To do that, I would use the satellite view on Google Maps as you plan your trips and zoom in to see how much room is available for both getting in and out of the station. If it looks tight, move on and find another station on that route. Also, if you do get boxed into a tight area for some reason, know that most tow bars these days will release fairly easily so you can unhook and get out of the situation cleanly. I hope that helps.
Consider an air cooled Volkswagen sandrail or dune buggy! They are so light you won’t need brakes!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.
Great video thank you!
Glad you liked it Patty. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the info.
You bet! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!
My Tow dolly barely fits my car. Had to use wood ramp to avoid hitting the bottom. The worst part is, during a sharp turn, the dolly hits my car's bottom rim bc it is too narrow.
So when dolly towing, be sure to find the right tow dolly for ur car. My car is too wide and a random dolly wont fit.
That's a great point Tom. You have to match the tow dolly to the vehicle being towed. Thanks for contributing!
Thanks for the great info! Just subscribed! We’re planning to upgrade from a truck and travel trailer to a class C and tow car soon. We have a Ford Fusion that can be flat-towed but are hoping to find an SUV (something with a little more ground clearance) like maybe a Jeep or Ford Edge! Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks
I have made a couple of videos that may be helpful for you in finding an SUV that will fit your needs - ua-cam.com/video/qFIQ9liGPt8/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/sQ3d-OCHwrY/v-deo.html I hope that helps and thanks for subbing!
How do I find out if I can tow our minivan?
I think this video may be helpful Phillip - ua-cam.com/video/OkWyFGtVveQ/v-deo.html Also, be sure to check the towing section in your minivan's manual and see what guidelines the manufacturer gives you on towing too.
@@RVInspectionAndCarehey thanks for getting back to me, now I know I wasn't clear in my original question but I didn't mean toe and RV with my minivan I meant Towing my minivan behind my motorhome
@@phillipkuntze137 That's what I meant too. Your manual should have a section on how your minivan should be towed and whether it can be flat-towed or not too. Be sure to watch the video too.
Hi I, enjoyed your video and advise. There are some cars out there that one can flat tow, due to them having stick shifts available. There are not many any more but two come to mind. We purchased a Nissan Versa S, (Stickshift) which is nicely equipped, light to tow (2500 pounds) and pretty inexpensive (16,000 $). The other choice is the Chevy Spark stickshift about the same price, but not equipped as nicely as the Nissan. We decided to flat tow and you are right the Towbar and the setup runs about 4000 $ and has the under the brake pedal system braking system. As this car is really light we will have it set to a light breaking instead of full breaking. Thank you for your video.
You're right Kurt. Not many stick shifts are being made these days. They used to be much more popular but now its almost all auto transmissions instead. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and made such a nice comment.
Can a flat tow an grand caravan? With the RV? Thanks
As far as I can tell, it can't without expensive mods. But the best way to check whether any vehicle can be flat towed or not is to download the manual for that vehicle and check under the "Towing" section. It will usually tell you there if it can be flat towed.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you so much 🙏💕👍
Great video, very informative. Nice to have all of this info in one place.
Glad it was helpful CB. Thanks for leaving such a positive comment!
What about a 2 axle trailer to put your truck on
That would be a great solution Donald. I didn't cover tow trailers for vehicles because they aren't nearly as commonly used as tow dollies. But they are especially good if you want to tow a certain vehicle and just can't get it to work on either a tow dolly or towing 4 down. They require more space on the campsite for storage while not in use, and they are more expensive too. But they are a great towing solution if you can manage those issues.
What are some of the work arounds for the battery drain you mentioned on the tow vehicle because the key has to be in the on position for hours?
Good question RRW. There are several solutions ranging from complicated to simple. First, you can check the instructions in the owners manual for that vehicle and see what recommendations it makes for possibly removing a fuse that is responsible for the drain while the vehicle is being towed. That is a simple thing to do but sometimes inconvenient to reach each time you tow. Another solution is to install a battery charging kit that works while you are towing. You can find a kit like that here - www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Roadmaster/RM-156-25.html . Finally, the simplest and easiest of all is to just start the vehicle and let it run for a while when you stop every 200 - 300 miles or so. But doing so means you have to go back through the setup procedure again for towing that vehicle that is outlined in your vehicles owners manual before towing further.
Thank you
You're so welcome Brandon. Thanks for watching and leaving positive feedback!
Thanks for your video. I have a 2013 Ford C-Max and I see that several people use that for towing and the base plates are readily available. My concern is I saw one video on UA-cam where when the gentleman turned the corner the steering wheel shook radically like it was going to tear the car apart. Do you have any idea why it would do this? The steering wheel on the C-Max does not lock. I have not moved forward with using this as a tow vehicle until I have more understanding regarding that UA-cam video
Sorry Mr. Louis, I haven't had any experience with the Ford C-Max so far. But here is a link where the C-Max is discussed quite a bit as a toad on an online forum - www.irv2.com/forums/f85/is-the-ford-c-max-a-good-toad-278447.html
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for your reply. I located the UA-cam video, here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/a1izHvn0FpM/v-deo.html
How do I know if my car can be flat toad? I have a 2017 Toyota 4Runner. What is the best way to tow behind a Class A Diesel RV?
Hi Doris. The best way to know for sure what towing options are available for any vehicle is to consult the owners manual for that vehicle. It will usually have a section on towing that will explain what you can and can't do while towing it. I always recommend following the manufacturers recommendations for towing to prevent any serious damage while towing.
Toyota does not recommend any of their SUVs to be flat towed. They have a pump system for the transmission fluid. You can install a auxillary pump system but it is very cost prohibitive.
Thank you. Helping us decide what to do.
Happy to help Dorothy. Thanks for watching.
We are thinking of buying a new Jeep Wrangler, with doing that, do you know if the dealership will add the wiring for breaking and lights?
Hi Sara, I know of some dealerships that have done that for RVers. I'm sure that it depends on the dealership but if you ask them I would think there is a good chance that they would be willing to do that for you.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you so much for your quick response! We are just starting to do research (I over research everything lol) for our first RV. You’re channel has been so helpful!! Thank you for all your work!!
Thanks for the positive feedback Sara. You are doing the right thing to do your research before you buy your first RV. A lot of people don't do that and it takes them a while to find the right RV for their needs. Your research beforehand will save you a lot of time and frustration. I hope you find the perfect RV for your RVing style!
As a single woman, loved your tips. I got the wrong car its a front wheel drive Nissan Altima, I did get it at good price. But now I'm stuck with 2 cars and can't aford a tow dolly. Didn't know how price they are 😥
Now I'm thinking I need to sell the 🚗 and get a Vespa.. what fo you think?
Hi Teresa. Actually I see several RVers these days with a motorcycle hitch on the back of their RV. A Vespa isn't very big, so it might not take a big unit to carry it along. The only issue I see with using a motorcycle or scooter for day-to-day transportation is handling adverse weather conditions wherever you travel.
I'm so glad I found your channel. I have subscribed also. You explain things so well. I also thought about getting a scooter but as you've stated adverse weather. Your RV on the inside looks like mine. I have a Newmar/Scottsdale. I hope to be heading out soon. I own a Chevy Impala. I will check out the website that was given to see if my vehicle is towable. Thanks. Looking forward to a great relationship.
So glad you enjoyed the video Charmae. Newmar makes great coaches, so I'm sure you will enjoy your travels in the Scottsdale. I'm glad that you subbed and just let me know if I can help with any questions you have as you view my videos.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you.
Just found your channel. This is good information. Did you do one on trailer towing? I have used a dolly but I have cars we'll take to shows that I'm not gonna dolly. There are pros and cons for this also.
Sorry Roy. I haven't done a video on that subject yet but it sounds like a good idea for the future. Thanks for the suggestion. BTW, I think I have seen you comment quite a bit on the IRV2 forum, right?
Yea, I love reading the forums.
@@roydavis2242 I thought I recognized your avatar picture. I love reading the IRV2 forum and I have always enjoyed your comments too. Very insightful. Welcome to the channel and I hope you will share your knowledge here too. All the best Roy!
Will a 98 Toyota Corolla flat tow?
I'm seeing conflicting answers to that question online Ray. My recommendation is always to check the owners manual for any vehicle. Usually they tell you whether or not it can be flat towed in the manual. If you don't have the manual, it's usually available for download somewhere online.
Great information, thank you.
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Even if you put a car on a tow dolly, you still have to do something for braking, which is the majority of the costs involved in dinghy towing.
That's true Brian, but a lot of tow dollies have either electric or surge brakes installed on the dolly itself. Of course, many RVers want better brake lighting than what is provided on the dolly fenders, so you may need to run auxiliary brakes to the rear part of the vehicle being towed.
How about stone chipping?
That is a problem for many RVers Ernesto. Some install a rock guard under the back of the motorhome that hangs down to deflect rocks and stones kicked up by the rear tires. Others put the rock guard on the front of the toad.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks
What a great video, thank you so much. We are pretty new at RVing. Both my wife and I are retired. We purchased a 2021 2850SLE Sunseeker (Ford E450) in November and have used it 4 times (a couple of long trips) and we have 2 or 3 more trips planned this year. We want to head out West for like a 2 or 3 month long trip next year. We just purchased a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 door and everything has been ordered with Blue Ox from my RV mechanic and it's getting installed very soon. The only issue I'm going to have I believe is that the cigarrette lighter does not stay working when the jeep is off so something will have to be modified. You need power for the blue ox Patriot 3 breaking system. But I don't think that's a big deal. I am concerned that we'll kill the battery on long trips ..what do you think? Maybe I will have to stop each time I fuel up and start the engine of the Jeep. Or more often. Plus we don't do much driving in one day, maybe up to 4 or 5 hours.
Congratulations on getting your new RV and Jeep toad. It sounds like a great combination for the two of you. And Jeeps are just made for off-roading in the West. There are lots of ways to deal with the battery issue when towing. For me, I usually don't travel more than 4 hours or so a day, so I have never had any battery issues except when my battery needed replacing after a few years. But that was not the fault of towing. If I have a really long day of travel though, I just fire up the toad's engine and let it run a while to charge the battery when we stop at a rest area or to fuel up. That has worked well for me so far. All the best to you both on your RV travels!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate it .. Do you think my 8 cylinder Ford E 450 will be strong enough to tow my 4 door Jeep?..God bless you.
Probably the best way to figure that out is a method that I covered in this video - ua-cam.com/video/OkWyFGtVveQ/v-deo.html I hope that helps.
I saw a utube where you can use a hitch wire with a charging terminal to trickle charge your toad battery while under toe so you can leave the battery connected with the key on.
@@brianw612 Thanks ..he just hooked it up to the system where it gets its power from the RV. All is well. It works great.
Great video!
I'm having a lot of trouble finding a tow bar/system to tow my FWD Mazda CX-5. Every video tells me it's not possible but I think it's because everyone assumes they are AWD. Some are, but not mine.
Ideas?
I'm having a hard time finding a base plate for towing that vehicle myself Humberto. It's hard to keep up with all of the vehicles that qualify for flat towing, but I generally find that if it can be flat towed you will usually find the base plate available online at etrailer.com. The only other option for towing is most likely a tow dolly.
@Humberto Have you checked your owners manual to verify if it can be flat towed? Yes, AWD version needs to be trailer towed (all wheel off the ground) but I have a sneaking suspicion that your 2WD (front wheel drive) is not flat towable. This is probably why you are not finding base plates for it. I would guess you will need a tow dolly for your vehicle.
do you disconnect the driveshaft on a RWD pickup?
Sometimes that is necessary. It's best to consult your owners manual to see what guidelines the manufacturer has for towing your truck. Of course, there are driveline quick disconnect systems made if that is what is needed. But personally, if it comes to that it may be best to just find another vehicle that can be flat towed instead. Many Ford F150s are able to be flat towed and there are others too.
We plan on purchasing a diesel pusher by the end of this year after we move from Nevada to Florida. I'm wanting to flat tow my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 behind a U-Haul for our NV/FL move. So I'm wondering if the flat tow hardware I purchase for the U-Haul/Sierra trip will also be compatible with the Class A Diesel Pusher I don't yet own. I would think It's probably universal but I thought I saw/heard somewhere that the hardware might be vehicle specific.
I'm still watching this video, 3 - 4 thousand dollars? It looks like a flat tow kit is only around $500+ for the tow bar, baseplate and wiring I guess from what I've seen so far. So the additional hardware, hardwiring and labor is at least a couple thousand dollars?
10:30 #4 is huge because I could buy a brand new 2020 (Jeep) vehicle specific for flat towing and get T-Boned for a total loss before the new car smell is gone and the thousands I paid to hardwire it would also be gone.
First of all you need to make sure that your model of the 2016 GMC Sierra can be flat towed. And if it can are there any restrictions involved? Your owners manual will probably tell you what you need to know about all that. Then you will need a tow bar which my quick search says will be about $720 at least. You will also need a base plate for the truck and again my research indicates that it will be about $500. Then you will need safety cables, a lighting system and a method for braking. All of this adds up fast. Most DPs have a 2" inch hitch that the tow bar can fit into but you will need to verify that on the rig you choose. Also, check the weight rating for the RV hitch and make sure that it can handle the weight of your GMC. There is a lot to consider when flat towing and it can get very expensive fast. I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the detailed response, right now it certainly appears that my Sierra can be flat towed but I will look into it further just to be sure. Have you heard of the Ready Brute Elite? I discovered it since my last post, right now I'm leaning heavily towards getting that.
@@RVInspectionAndCare ua-cam.com/video/Vu6TDwOrc2o/v-deo.html
Is it true that all manual transmission can be flat towed?
Great detailed info in this vid.
Lou & Angie
A lot of manual tranny vehicles can be flat towed successfully. But I always say that the best way to know whether a vehicle is suitable for flat towing is to check the manufacturer's manual for that vehicle. That is the only way to know for sure.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you.
Lou & Angie
Great video. We're newbies to the rv world. Considering towing a Honda Accord with manual transmission. Is there any concern with ground clearance of the "toad" on normally encountered roads, national parks etc? Thanks for any thoughts!
Good question Paul. On normal highways and main roads you will probably be fine. But I would be very careful about going off road. My rule of thumb is that if I am at all nervous about the ground clearance for my toad, I just unhitch and my wife drives it behind me until I feel comfortable again. I hope that helps.
I do the same when towing my Cooper also it has lower suspension coilovers since when I’m close to a track I find a day when they have track event and run it and when we go out west we take the Jeep because the trails are fun as well
I enjoyed the video and learned some valuable information from watching. I subscribed and gave the thumbs up. Because of my lack of knowledge, I am not sure how the direct wiring for the brakes works . Would you comment on this please? Thanks
Hi Ronald. The braking system I recommend is made by Roadmaster and it is the InvisiBrake product. Here is a nice FAQ page about on Roadmaster's site - www.roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/invisibrake/faqs.html And Etrailer made a nice video about a typical installation here - www.etrailer.com/tv-install-roadmaster-invisibrake-braking-system-2018-jeep-jl-wrangler-unlimited-rm-8700.aspx I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your response. The information you provided helps me understand how the direct brake wire system works and how this would be a lot more convenient to use than other systems.
Yes, I really like the InvisiBrake system and it has a lot of high marks in reviews from other users. There's a lot to think about when flat towing and I'm glad the information I provided was helpful Ronald.
Is a '93 Toyota pickup with automatic transmission designed for flat towing?
Good question Michael. According to this information from Toyota it appears that it is not able to be flat towed - toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7710/~/is-it-possible-to-tow-my-toyota-with-all-four-wheels-on-the-ground%3F
@@RVInspectionAndCare The 95 Tacoma is the closest they list to my truck. Probably not then...
Otherwise I have to disconnect the drive shaft, no?
Most likely yes Michael, but I would suggest to look at the manual for the truck and see what Toyota recommends on towing it.
Thanks for the information.
You're so welcome Marilyn. Thanks for watching!
is there a big difference between a car with an automatic vs manual transmission?
For RV towing there is a big difference Monty. If a towed auto has an automatic transmission, it has to be specifically designed to be able to be towed with all four wheels down. Most cars are not able to be towed that way. But they can often be towed on a dolly with the drive wheels on the dolly. A manual transmission vehicle is more flexible since the tranny can often be put in neutral and towed four down. But it's vital that you consult the owners manual of any vehicle to make sure whether it can be towed, and if so, what are the requirements for towing.
How can I tow a 2020 Cadillac Escalade esv , itS RWD w 4X4
Hi Gary. I don't believe that a Cadillace Escalade can be flat-towed at all. And it would be difficult to tow it with a 2-wheel dolly, if at all. The only choice that I can see is putting it on a flatbed dolly so that all four wheels are off the ground.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it Rick. :-)
Thank you for this very informative video!
You are very welcome Marty. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you for the video! I thought of two more possible disadvantages; please tell me if I'm right: 1) It puts wear on the toad's tires, 2) It puts mileage on the toad's odometer.
Hi Billy. Yes, you are right about the tires. There is no avoiding wear and tear on the tires while flat towing. But actually most towed vehicles do not register the towed mileage on the odometer. Thanks for watching and leaving such a thoughtful comment!
@@RVInspectionAndCare even with flat towing?
@@Steph-Jones I think you asking whether the odometer does not log the mileage even when flat towing. And the answer is that in many cases it does not.
Just some advice on this presentation! Have many years in the RV adventure.......
Flat towing is very hard on the towed vehicle. It does not track the towing vehicle very well so most of the time ur r dragging the front wheels around corners almost most with every turn. Lots of wear and tear on front end components and tires. Directly wiring in the lights is all but impossible, with all the computers and electronic components ur just asking "Maximin Smoke" even in the towing vehicle as well. Most knowledgeable shops won't even attempt it.
A tow dolly can be backed up for a short distance with lots of caution. NEVER EVER NEVER......try to back up a flat towed vehicle, just a few inches can destroy tow bar and do frame damage on the frame of the towed vehicle.
If ur going to tow full time buy a Tow Dolly with surge brakes. This will put a lot less wear on ur towing rig brakes Also in a panic stop situation u don't have 3 to5k extra pounds pushing u out of control especially in wet or icy conditions.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I agree that the simplest solution to full-time towing is a tow dolly with surge brakes. It's also one of the least expensive options as well.
Thank you sir. I‘mglad I saw this before I started looking for a toad. 😎🥃
Glad I could help Lando. I'm glad that you are doing your research before buying. That's smart!
The cons I have seen with flat towing is that with our vehicles (equinox’s), our shop in a second set of bulbs in the turn signal housings for trailer lights, though they seldom work, they keep blowing, and the pigtail on the front keeps getting frayed. More so issues with the way we do things, than issues with the system. As well, while towing, our system does not include braking, so the trailer has the urge to jackknife the pulling truck (strange given the difference in weight, but it’ll push the back end out on our 9 ton truck with a 2 ton equinox) under braking and/or turning. The major issue we have, given our operation, is that you cannot back up with a flat tow, unless you have practice backing a set of doubles, you’re going less than three feet, or you have someone holding the steering wheel. As for battery drain, the shop put in a battery disconnect (how they did it, I haven’t a clue) but it turns off radio, HVAC, instrument array, all that. Works like a charm.
A battery disconnect is a great idea for toad vehicles. If you have to leave your ignition in the on position to tow, it's either get a disconnect installed, pull the fuse for the dash, or just make sure you pull over and start the vehicle every so often to recharge the battery. Frankly, the disconnect switch is the easiest option by far. :-)
Not having a braking system in your toad is dangerous (not only for your rig, but also for other drivers) not to mention illegal in many states.
Unless you're backing up just a few feet and with a back-up guide person, I'd personally stay away from backing a flat tow. It's not good for the vehicle components, the base plate, the tow bar. IF, big IF you feel you must, only go STRAIGHT back. For me, that's why they made the modern tow bar, it takes less than two minutes to remove toad and a few more to reconnect and check.
Those are all good points and I agree with them. Thanks for contributing!
Some time stamps with a hyperlink legend would help poor people that suffer this video and it's tolerability tremendously. Although knowledgeable, the way this information is presented for some reason just grates. I guess everybody is different you seem to have some positive comments. Little warnings like your emphasis @9:20 on "the cost...the cost of flat towing are a lot..." & @4:20 "This is not easy stuff...This is not simple stuff..." This reminds me of sitting through an HOA meeting, where the president is calling for letters to be mailed out concerning lawn mower height settings...
Thanks for the pointers YP. I'll try to do better in the future. If I become too grating for you to listen to, you can always just avoid this channel.
This is the best RV channel on UA-cam. More info per video then anywhere.
Great video - thank you for your thoughtful delivery.
I have a question for you since you tow a Honda CRV as do I (2014 CRV). On rough roads, even rough interstates, my CRV begins to wag which in turn pushes and pulls the RV (29' Class A Thor Hurricane F53 chassis). Happens with wind as well. Quickly becomes a white knuckle event with dangerous swaying. Using a Roadmaster Night Hawk towbar. Have done suspension upgrades to RV (rear and front suspension bars, Steering stabilizer, and Sumo Springs). CRV is not out of alignment and tires are in good shape. How can I control the sway? I'm thinking about adding a bungee to CRV steering wheel with light pressure and hooking to undercarriage of driver seat to aid centering. Using an RVI toad braking system. Any ideas would be helpful. Thank you in advance.
Hi Leonard. I have heard of these type of issues with others too. Here are a few suggestions - Some people have tried adding a trackbar to stabilize the rear end of the motorhome. I believe that Roadmaster makes one. Others have tried the bungee cord method you mentioned with success. And some have found that the problem is with the tow bar in some cases not completely locking into position when towing although it appears to do so. I hope some of these ideas can help. RVing is no fun when your rig is swaying down the highway.
Thank you for the info and video, it seems that flat towing involves all four wheels of a towed vehicle being in contact with the pavement, this towing method causes the vehicle's wheels to turn. As a result, the drivetrain and transmission can be impacted and damaged. This can also happen if flat towing is not performed correctly.... For the cost as you explained I bought for my JL 2 door Jeep a compact single axle trailer... so much better for the Jeep....
Hi Hans. Yes, flat towing does cause some wear and tear on the tires and any moving parts as you go down the highway. But if the vehicle is designed for flat towing, it is very safe for the towed vehicle. Thanks for watching the video and leaving us your thoughts too!
Anything with a manual transmission, right?? I think you're assuming that the cars "designed" for towing are automatic?
I know it seems like I'm only talking about automatic transmissions but honestly, the vast majority of toads I have seen are automatic. Most people like to tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission. These days, it's getting harder to find manual trannies, but if you do, there is a very good chance it will be towable.
RV Inspection And Care I got a 2012 Jeep Wrangler 6 speed manual for flat towing
If a person was to install one of the auxiliary braking systems in their toad, could they not just start the toad, put the toad in Drive, hop in the RV, and drive away? If that would work, any vehicle could be a toad because the transmission would be lubricated in the same way that it is when you're driving the toad on its own. Also, you wouldn't have to worry about draining the battery because the engine would be running. Your brake lights would come on when the auxiliary braking system applied the brakes too. You would need to do something for the turn signals, but you would have to do that regardless of the setup you chose. You're also burning more fuel since the toad is running, but it would be getting spectacular fuel economy since it's being towed. I have never seen someone attempt this, but I've always thought it could be a solution. Please let me know what you think since you have the know how.
Unfortunately Kurtis, most auto transmissions don't work the way you are suggesting. The best way to know how to properly tow a passenger vehicle without severely damaging it is to read the instructions about towing it in the owners manual. And following the manufacturer's directions is always the best course of action.
The other factor in flat towing is the wear and tear on the towed vehicle - tires, brakes, etc.
Good point. Thanks for commenting Kevin.
Depends, at least with our towed vehicle, it’s not braked, only the lead vehicle has brakes. As for lights, our shop put in a second set of bulbs in the tail lamps, that almost never work.
Great explanation, this helped me understand towing options prior to class A options
I'm so glad it was helpful Brian. Thanks for the positive feedback.
Maybe renting a vehicle at the location of where you will stay is the way to go. thanks for the cost estimate.
My pleasure Paul. Thanks for watching!
I damaged the transmission on my 2001 nissan sentra after towing it for 300 miles. Apparently you have to put your vehicle in Neutral with the engine running the whole time if it is an Automatic. Lesson learned.
Actually, most flat towed vehicles can be towed without the engine running. I always recommend that you consult the owners manual for the vehicle you want to tow first before going further. If the vehicle can be flat towed it will explain the procedure for doing it there. And yes, if you don't do it right, serious damage can be done. Many vehicles can't be towed with all four wheels down though. The vehicle's manual will tell you what you need to know about towing it in most cases.
Methinks a vehicle with a manual transmission would be okay to tow. Just put it in neutral. No transmission parts operating, right? It's freewheeling...
Yes Leon, manual transmission toads are very easy to work with in most cases. There is no need to go through any process to set up the transmission for towing. Just take it our of gear and leave the stickshift in neutral.
Certified by who?
NRVIA.org
wow - sounds very expensive to setup. Wonder if its cheaper to buy a car trailer ?
Yes, a tow dolly can be a less expensive option Victor. I made a video about that too and it would be good to look over the pros and cons of going in that direction before you make your decision. Here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/aTN_mi0GHgw/v-deo.html
One con left out: backing more than a very few feet isn’t possible.
Yep. That's a good point. Thanks for adding that con Cary!
It was supposed to be a comparison not just to talk about flat towing, you screwed up this time!
Sorry the video wasn't up to your standards John but the title is "The Pros And Cons Of RV Flat Towing". It doesn't say anything about comparisons being made.
Thank you for all the info.
You bet Raymond. Thanks for watching and commenting!